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UPenn Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts & Advice

August 7, 2024

The University of Pennsylvania accepted 40% of applicants back in 1980—as of 2024, that figure had plummeted to under 7%. Those wanting to join the Quaker campus a generation ago could gain acceptance simply by producing strong grades and test scores. Today, applicants find themselves in a hyper-competitive admissions process. In 2024-25, they need to find ways to separate themselves from tens of thousands of similarly accomplished peers. This brings us to the topic of this blog: the UPenn supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into UPenn? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Penn/Wharton: Admissions Data and Strategies. Here, you’ll find all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The UPenn supplemental essays present applicants with just the opportunity they need to showcase their unique personality, writing ability, passions, and talents. Further, those who generate responses that are authentic, honest, and compelling can truly capture the attention of a Penn admissions reader.

Below are UPenn’s two general essay prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle. The College Transitions team also offers accompanying advice about how to tackle each one.

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Prompt #1

1) Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words)  

In essence, this one is about how you express gratitude. A mature young person realizes that their success was not achieved in a vacuum. Rather, it was likely aided by many adults and peers. The target of your letter could be a parent, other relative, teacher, coach, spiritual leader, friend, classmate, fellow team member, or boss. This prompt, which debuted last year, is an excellent opportunity for highly decorated applicants to display their appreciative and humble side. We recommend taking their advice and actually sharing the letter in real life. This will likely make the essay more authentic and from the heart. The more sincere your essay turns out, the better it will likely be received by UPenn (and its intended IRL target!).

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Prompt #2

2) How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)  

Keep in mind that Penn has already seen the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the impressive number of hours you volunteered at multiple nonprofit organizations. They know that you have been an active member of your high school/local community. The admissions committee now desires to understand precisely how you will contribute to  their  community of almost 10,000 undergraduate students. Highlighting the link between your past efforts and future aims is critical here. For example, if you dedicated many hours working with people with Alzheimer’s Disease throughout high school, it will be more impactful when you now express your commitment to joining Penn’s Alzheimer’s Buddies organization.

The strongest Penn community essays show evidence of meaningful school-specific research. This research process will actually give you a better idea of how you would sincerely like to become engaged at each prospective school on your list. Admissions officers will appreciate a Penn-centric answer far more than a generic (often recycled from app to app) response. Moreover, given the word count, you’ll be able to produce the strongest response if you focus on just one or two specific aspects of your identity and perspective.

UPenn Supplemental Essays – School & Program-Specific Prompts

In addition to the above, you’ll also need to write an essay that is specific to the undergraduate school or coordinated dual-degree program you’re applying to. Below, we’ve covered how to approach the most popular choices:

1) The College of Arts and Sciences

The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about academic offerings within the College of Arts and Sciences at  college.upenn.edu/prospective . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of how the study of the liberal arts aligns with your own goals and aspirations.

UPenn Supplemental Essays (Continued)

In this essay, admissions officers want to see evidence of your drive, passion, and intellectual ambition. Further, they want to learn your specific plans for continuing to be academically engaged while at the University of Pennsylvania. Great things to highlight here include:

• Firstly, specific courses offered in your discipline of interest at UPenn.
• Next,  Penn professors  whose work/research/writings you find fascinating and how you would ideally like to connect with them as an undergraduate.
• Additionally, academically-focused student organizations  at Penn.
• Undergraduate research opportunities  in the summer or during the school year as well as independent research you would like to conduct under faculty supervision.
• Lastly,  study abroad opportunities.

In addition to Penn-specific offerings that you are dying to take advantage of, you can also cite past experiences which will ideally be tied into future ventures. For example, if you were captain of the robotics team in high school—and hope to continue robotics in college—you might note why you’re interested in joining the UPennalizers, Penn’s student-run robotic soccer team.

2) School of Engineering and Applied Science

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics with depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words)

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about Penn Engineering and its mission to prepare students for global leadership in technology  here . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of academic pathways within Penn Engineering and how they align with your goals and interests.

Similar to the prompt for the College of Arts and Sciences, you’ll want to research Penn’s engineering offerings. You’ll want to pay particular attention to those related to your primary major of interest. You can discuss several that you find most compelling. Great things to highlight here include:

• Specific courses  offered in your discipline of interest at UPenn.
• Penn professors  whose work/research/writings you find fascinating and how you would ideally like to connect with them as an undergraduate.
• Academically-focused  student organizations  at Penn.
• Undergraduate research opportunities  in the summer or during the school year. Also, independent research you would like to conduct under faculty supervision.

3) School of Nursing

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of a global, multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare through advancing science. How will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare and how will Penn Nursing contribute to your future nursing goals? (150-200 words)

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about Penn Nursing’s mission and how we promote equity in healthcare  here .  This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of our values and how they align with your own goals and aspirations.

There are two prongs to this prompt. First, the admissions committee wants to understand how you think scientific advancements and increased equity will impact nursing as a profession. Since you’re applying to this program, it’s likely that you believe in the benefit of both objectives. Therefore, you don’t need to spend time convincing the admissions committee that you’re on board. Instead, and based on what you understand about the nursing field, consider discussing what types of positive impact you could have on patient outcomes and/or healthcare in general. Lastly, if you don’t know much about the current landscape, be sure to do some research.

Second, Penn wants to understand how you—as a nursing student—will contribute to the mission of promoting equity in particular. Based on what you know about Penn’s nursing programs and initiatives (which, again, will require some research) how do you see yourself getting involved?

4) The Wharton School

Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues. Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it. (150-200 words)  

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about the foundations of a Wharton education   here . This information will help you better understand what you could learn by studying at Wharton and what you could do afterward.

To craft a strong response to this prompt, you’ll first need to choose an issue that is important to you. The issue can be on either a global, regional, or community scale. If you pick something general (and popular), like climate change or AI, consider choosing a specific angle that relates to you personally. For example, while “climate change” in general is an absolutely massive undertaking that will be difficult to differentiate, discussing the impact of flooding on your city’s downtown businesses could be far more specific and accessible.

After choosing an issue and sharing why it’s important to you, you’ll then need to discuss how Wharton’s specific offerings will help you explore it. Excellent possibilities include:

5) DMD: Digital Media Design Program

Discuss how your interests align with the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)

6) Huntsman: The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business

The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally-minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to make a contribution to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words)

7) LSM: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management

The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words)

8) M&T: The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology

• Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words)
• Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words)

9) NHCM: Nursing and Healthcare Management

Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn’s coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? (400-650 words)

10) VIPER: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research

How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time.  (400-650 words)

How important are the UPenn supplemental essays?

There are six factors that UPenn considers “very important” in evaluating a candidate and the essays are among them. In addition to the essays, UPenn gives the greatest consideration to the rigor of an applicant’s secondary school record. Of equal consideration are GPA, standardized test scores, recommendations, and character/personal qualities.

UPenn Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

In conclusion, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your UPenn supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

Looking for additional writing resources? Check out the following blogs:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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August 7, 2024

University of Pennsylvania Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

The University of Pennsylvania has released its essay prompts for the 2024-2025 college admissions cycle. In all, just like last year, applicants to the UPenn Class of 2029 will be asked to answer three required supplemental essays — in addition to The Common Application Personal Statement. In addition, there are additional essay requirements for UPenn’s coordinated dual degree and specialized programs. So what are this year’s UPenn supplemental essays , and how should they be tackled?

2024-2025 UPenn Essay Topics & Questions

Essay prompts for all applicants.

Applicants to UPenn have 150-200 words for each of the three required supplemental admissions essays.

The first two supplemental essay prompts are as follows:

1. Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!)

When responding to this essay prompt, it’s important to note that the letter shouldn’t only be sweet. Even though it’s addressed to someone an applicant would like to acknowledge, it still needs to showcase the student’s intellectual curiosity if they hope to stand out. The person need not be hugely influential in our world — in fact, we’d discourage as much since that would risk rendering an applicant less likable as it would appear they’re trying to impress. But the narrative presented to the person must showcase how a student thinks.

2. How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape Penn.

This prompt is a version of a Why College essay . As such, it needs to be filled with specific after specific of how an applicant hopes to contribute to UPenn’s culture — from activities to traditions — all through the prism of a student’s evolving and ideally always malleable perspective.

Unlike in past years, the third essay prompt depends on the school within UPenn to which a student is applying (the College of Arts and Sciences , The Wharton School , the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences , or the School of Nursing ).

School-Specific Essay Prompts for All Applicants

The third essay prompt is school-dependent. The school-specific prompts, which must also be answered in 150-200 words, are as follows:

College of Arts and Sciences

The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences?

Many applicants will fall through the big trap door for this essay prompt by writing about the classes they hope to take in the College of Arts and Sciences. But classes change, and admissions officers know that students can cut and paste a course from one university and change the name for the next university.

Instead, in this essay, it would behoove applicants to capture the enduring specifics of the curriculum. What’s the school’s secret sauce for how UPenn teaches the major the applicant wishes to study? Is there a weird requirement for the major? Are students required to participate in scientific studies? Will students need to attend a weekly lecture series in a library over tea and crackers? It’s these kind of details that can make all the difference.

The Wharton School Essay Prompt

Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues. Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.

This prompt is a hybrid: part select an issue that matters to an applicant and part showcase how that issue can be addressed within Wharton. So pick an interesting issue — and students should not pick a topic that everyone will agree with them on. Ethics in business? Who doesn’t believe people should be ethical in business? And when students address the Why Wharton component of the prompt, make sure it’s filled with genuine specifics about the school within the school. And, no, name-dropping professors who may or may not be there next year does not count nor does listing classes that one can cut and paste from one university’s course catalog to the next.

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Essay Prompt

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn.

This is a straight up the middle Why Penn Engineering question . The answer should be filled with specifics on how a student hopes to leave a mark on the world — through the power of engineering — with the help of the school within a school. Name-dropping professors and classes do not count as genuine specifics and risk rendering an applicant unlikable. Instead, applicants would be wise to select enduring specifics about UPenn’s engineering school to wow UPenn’s admissions officers.

School of Nursing Essay Prompt

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of a global, multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare through advancing science. How will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare and how will Penn Nursing contribute to your future nursing goals?

This prompt is a hybrid question: Why Major and Why Penn Nursing? It’s a chance to share a unique narrative that inspires admissions officers to want to root for a student. As such, there are better ways to go than writing about how one wants to be a nurse to help people. Clichés have no place in college admissions essays. Instead, it would behoove applicants to identify a specific, uncommon way they hope to contribute to the healthcare field. Then, in the second half of the essay, applicants should cite specific example after specific example of how Penn Nursing will help them do just that (and no class names or professor name drops allowed!).

Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Programs Short Answer Prompts

UPenn’s coordinated dual degree and specialized programs require essays of varying word and character counts. The prompts for each of the programs, along with their corresponding word and character counts are below:

DMD: Digital Media Design Program

Discuss how your interests align with the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)

This prompt is a Why Program essay. As such, it should be filled with genuine specific after specific that only apply to the program. That means no class names and no professor names. Applicants should instead endeavor to capture the enduring specifics of the program.

Huntsman: The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business

The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to contribute to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words)

Huntsman applicants should have an interest in  international  business. As such, students need to articulate — ideally through their experiences and activities — what’s at the core of their interest in global markets. Applicants should not be general but choose one specific area within international business and showcase how they hope to leave an imprint in this area during their lifetime.

LSM: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management

The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing, and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words)

Applicants should pick a topic within the life sciences — ideally, an issue that isn’t addressed all too often — and then outline how they hope to make a difference in this area during their college years and in the years that follow. Dare to choose a topic that’s a little bit controversial — that’s ok! Writing only about safe topics is a surefire way to create a bland application, so applicants should ignore all advice that sets them down that path.

M&T: The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology

Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words)

This prompt is a straight-up-the-middle Why Program essay. It should be filled not only with an applicant’s origin story, as high schoolers, for their interest in the intersection of business and engineering, but peppered throughout should be enduring specifics that apply to the Jerome Fisher program and only to the Jerome Fisher program. That means students should not name-drop professor names and class names since professors leave and classes change (not to mention, name-dropping professors undercuts a student’s likability).

Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words)

An applicant’s choice of a problem they’ve solved need not be grand in scale though it  should  be interesting. It can be a simple problem. Students have set themselves up for success as long as the issue’s at the intersection of engineering and business (or potentially business in the future, which can be outlined in this essay). Ideally, through detailing the problem, admissions officers might even learn something — not only about the applicant but about the issue. Applicants should always aim to make admissions officers smarter for having read their essays!

NHCM: Nursing and Healthcare Management

Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn’s coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? ( 400-650 words)

This prompt is a hybrid: Why Nursing and Why NHCM. Students should articulate the origin of their interest in nursing (as high schoolers, not as children) and then pepper in many specifics about NHCM that are unique to NHCM. That means if one can cut and paste a line from this essay for another school or program, it should be deleted.

VIPER: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research

How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words)

This prompt is a hybrid: it’s part Why Energy Science and Technology and part Why VIPER. The origin story for the interest in energy science and technology should stem from high school, and peppered throughout the essay should be specifics about VIPER that don’t apply to any other program at any other university.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with University of Pennsylvania Essays

If you’re interested in presenting the most compelling storytelling possible in the UPenn supplemental essays, fill out Ivy Coach ’s consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college counseling services that are directly with Ivy Coach’s Jayson Weingarten , a former University of Pennsylvania admissions officer.

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UPenn Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

The application process, a critical gateway to this journey, demands academic excellence and a profound understanding of oneself and one’s aspirations. UPenn’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 are a series of thoughtfully crafted prompts designed to unveil multi-faceted personalities. Also, they showcase the diverse backgrounds and unique ambitions of aspiring students.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does UPenn Require?

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, the University of Pennsylvania requires applicants to complete a set of two mandatory short answer prompts , each designed to uncover different facets of the applicant’s personality, experiences, and aspirations.

Additionally, depending on the specific undergraduate school to which a student is applying – the School of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, The Wharton School, or the School of Engineering and Applied Science – there is an additional essay requirement.

This structure of UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 underscores the university’s commitment to comprehensively understanding its applicants. It’s a deliberate approach, ensuring that each student’s application reflects academic prowess, personal growth, community engagement, and a clear vision for their future.

Breakdown of the Short Answer Prompts and the School-Specific Essay

Delving into the specifics, the first of UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 is a short thank-you note, a prompt that invites applicants to express gratitude to someone who has made a significant impact on their life. This exercise is not just about politeness; it reflects character and insight into the relationships and values that shape the applicant.

The second prompt asks students to contemplate their potential engagement with the Penn community. Here, applicants must intertwine their narratives with their aspirations for community involvement at UPenn , showcasing how their unique perspectives will contribute to and benefit from the university’s dynamic environment.

The third prompt requires a more focused approach, depending on the chosen undergraduate school. For instance, applicants to the School of Nursing might discuss their passion for healthcare and how UPenn’s program aligns with their career goals. At the same time, those applying to The Wharton School could delve into their fascination with business and entrepreneurship. These school-specific essays demonstrate why the applicant wants to attend UPenn and why they are a perfect fit for their chosen program.

Each essay, though distinct in its theme, collectively forms a narrative arc that encapsulates the applicant’s past achievements, present motivations, and future aspirations, all while underlining their suitability for the unique academic and social fabric of the University of Pennsylvania.

What are the UPenn Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 are a crucial component of the application process. It offers a platform for students to present aspects of their personality and intellect that standardized test scores and transcripts cannot capture.

• W rite a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words, only required for first year applicants)
• H ow will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)
• (The school-specific prompt will now be unique to the school a student is applying to.)

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, these prompts include a unique thank-you note, a reflection on the community at Penn, and a school-specific essay that varies depending on the undergraduate program to which the student is applying. Navigating these prompts requires both eloquence and honesty and a strategic understanding of how each essay can collectively paint a comprehensive and compelling picture of the applicant.

How to Write the UPenn Essays 2023-2024?

Writing the UPenn supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle is a task that requires introspection, creativity, and strategic thinking. These essays are your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

Remember, quality over quantity is vital. Each word should serve a purpose in conveying your message. Finally, proofread your essays meticulously to ensure they are free of grammatical errors and flow well.

UPenn Supplemental Essay 1: The Thank-You Note Short Answer

The first of UPenn’s supplemental essays, 2023-2024, a short thank-you note, is a unique prompt that stands out for its emphasis on gratitude and personal reflection.

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) 

This essay, limited to 150-200 words, is not just an exercise in writing but an opportunity for applicants to delve into their personal experiences and relationships. It challenges students to identify and articulate their appreciation for someone who has made a significant, yet perhaps unrecognized, impact on their lives.

Understanding UPenn Supplemental Essay 1

The first UPenn supplemental essay prompt for 2023-2024 requires you to write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked but would like to acknowledge. This prompt is unique as it focuses on gratitude and personal reflection.

It’s an opportunity to showcase your ability to recognize and appreciate the impact others have had on your life. This essay should reveal your character, values, and the relationships that have shaped you. It’s not just about whom you choose to thank but also about how you express your gratitude and what this says about you.

Brainstorming Your Response to UPenn Supplemental Essay 1

When brainstorming your response to this essay, consider the following:

• Identify the Person: Think about someone who has significantly impacted your life. This could be a teacher, coach, family member, or friend.
• Reflect on the Impact: What specific actions or qualities of this person have influenced you? How have they helped shape your perspectives or choices?
• Personal Growth: How has this person’s influence contributed to your growth? Consider moments of challenge, inspiration, or change.
• Unique Angle: Find a unique angle or a specific instance that encapsulates their impact rather than general statements of gratitude.
• Emotional Connection: Reflect on the emotions you associate with this person. Gratitude, respect, admiration, or inspiration can be good starting points.

Structuring Your Response to UPenn Supplemental Essay 1

In structuring your response, follow a clear and concise format:

• Introduction: Start with a direct address to the person you are thanking. Briefly introduce them and the reason for your gratitude.
• Body: Elaborate on the impact they have had on your life. Use specific examples or anecdotes to illustrate this.
• Reflection: Reflect on how this person’s influence has shaped you. Connect this to your broader life experiences or aspirations.
• Conclusion: Close with a heartfelt statement of thanks, summarizing the essence of your gratitude and its significance in your life.

Remember, this essay is as much about you as it is about the person you are thanking. It should provide insights into your character and values, demonstrating your capacity for reflection and appreciation.

UPenn Supplemental Essay 2: Your Perspective and Contribution

The second prompt of UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 invites applicants to reflect on their potential engagement with the Penn community.

How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. 

This question is about what you hope to gain from being a part of this vibrant community and what you can contribute to it. It’s an invitation to envision your place within the diverse mosaic of Penn’s student body. This essay should blend introspection and foresight, showcasing your understanding of what community means at home like UPenn.

Understanding UPenn Supplemental Essay 2

The second UPenn supplemental essay for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle asks you to reflect on your potential role within the Penn community. This prompt is designed to gauge your understanding of being part of a diverse and dynamic university community. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate how you envision yourself contributing to and benefiting from the Penn environment.

The key here is to show a mutual relationship: how Penn’s community will influence you and, in turn, how you will add value to it. This essay should highlight your ability to engage with others, your willingness to embrace new perspectives, and your desire to actively participate in university life.

It’s also a chance to showcase your understanding of Penn’s values and how they align with yours. Remember, this essay isn’t just about your academic interests; it’s about your character, your passions, and how you see yourself fitting into the broader Penn community.

Brainstorming Your Response to UPenn Supplemental Essay 2

When brainstorming your response, consider the following points:

• Personal Interests and Passions: Identify your fundamental interests and passions and how they might align with clubs, organizations, or initiatives at Penn.
• Community Involvement: Reflect on your past experiences with community involvement. What have you learned from these experiences, and how can you apply these lessons at Penn?
• Penn’s Resources: Research specific resources, programs, or opportunities at Penn that excite you. How do you plan to take advantage of these?
• Personal Growth: Think about how being part of the Penn community might challenge and contribute to your growth.
• Contribution to Penn: Consider what unique perspectives or skills you can bring to the Penn community. How will you make a positive impact?
• Long-term Vision: How does being part of the Penn community fit your long-term goals or aspirations?

Structuring Your Response to UPenn Supplemental Essay 2

In structuring your response, consider the following format:

• Introduction: Begin by briefly introducing your main interest or passion and how it relates to your desire to be part of the Penn community.
• Body: In the body of your essay, delve into specific aspects of the Penn community that align with your interests. Discuss how you plan to engage with these aspects and what you hope to gain from the experience. Also, detail how your past experiences and perspectives will contribute to the Penn community. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
• Conclusion: Summarize how your involvement in the Penn community will mutually benefit you. Emphasize how Penn will help shape your perspective and how you, in turn, will contribute to the Penn community. This should tie back to your introduction, creating a cohesive narrative that clearly articulates your vision for your time at Penn.

UPenn’s Supplemental Essay 3: School-Specific Prompts

The school-specific prompts in UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 are designed to assess an applicant’s fit and enthusiasm for their chosen field of study. These prompts vary across the School of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, The Wharton School, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, each asking for a nuanced understanding of the school’s ethos and how the applicant’s interests align with it.

• Short Answer Prompt for School of Nursing : Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. What do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words)
• Short Answer Prompt for College of Arts and Sciences : The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words)
• Short Answer Prompt for The Wharton School : Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues.  Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.  (150-200 words)
• Short Answer Prompt for School of Engineering and Applied Science : Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words)

Each response should reflect your understanding of these unique aspects and how they resonate with your academic and professional goals. This is not just about stating your desire to study at a particular school; it’s about demonstrating a thoughtful and informed connection between your aspirations and what the school uniquely offers.

Understanding UPenn’s School-Specific Prompts

UPenn Supplemental Essay 3 is unique to the specific undergraduate school you are applying to. This essay is crucial as it allows you to demonstrate your understanding of and alignment with the school’s ethos and objectives.

For the School of Nursing, the focus is on how you perceive the future of nursing in a global and multicultural context and your role in promoting equity in healthcare. The College of Arts and Sciences prompt asks about your curiosities and how you plan to explore them through their flexible curriculum. The Wharton School seeks to understand how you would apply your education to a current issue that matters to you. Lastly, the School of Engineering and Applied Science wants to know how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn, emphasizing a combination of natural sciences, liberal arts, and focused majors.

Each prompt requires a tailored response that reflects your interests, goals, and how they align with the school’s mission.

Brainstorming Your Response to UPenn’s School-Specific Prompts

For each school, consider the following brainstorming ideas:

School of Nursing:

• Reflect on what equity in healthcare means to you.
• Think about experiences or observations that have shaped your understanding of healthcare disparities.
• Consider how you can contribute to advancing science and promoting equity in nursing.

College of Arts and Sciences:

• Identify areas of curiosity or specific interests within arts and sciences.
• Explore how the college’s curriculum can help you pursue these interests.
• Consider how a broad education can contribute to your personal and academic growth.

The Wharton School:

• Choose a current economic, political, or social issue you are passionate about.
• Reflect on how a business education can help you understand and address this issue.
• Consider the specific aspects of Wharton’s program that align with your interests.

School of Engineering and Applied Science:

• Identify your specific engineering interests and how they developed.
• Explore how Penn Engineering’s approach to education aligns with your goals.
• Think about the role of liberal arts in shaping your engineering perspective.

Structuring Your Response to UPenn’s School-Specific Prompts

Your essay should be structured to clearly and concisely address the prompt:

• Introduction: Begin by directly addressing the prompt, setting the stage for your response. Introduce your main interest or the issue you are passionate about.
• Body: In the body, delve into how your interests, experiences, and goals align with the school’s mission and offerings. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and show a deep understanding of the school’s ethos.
• Conclusion: Summarize how your education at this specific school will help you achieve your goals and contribute to the school’s mission. This should reflect your introduction, creating a cohesive narrative that underscores your enthusiasm and readiness for the program.

As we conclude our exploration into UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024, it’s evident that these are more than just a requirement for your college application; they are a profound opportunity for self-expression and self-discovery.

Each essay serves a distinct purpose, allowing you to showcase different facets of your personality, intellect, and aspirations. The University of Pennsylvania, through these prompts, seeks to understand not just your academic capabilities but also your character, values, and vision for the future.

These essays are your chance to step beyond the numbers and lists of achievements that make up the rest of your application, offering a glimpse into who you are as a person and how you see yourself fitting into and contributing to the Penn community.

Recap of the Key Points for Each Type of Supplemental Essay

In recapitulating the critical points for each supplemental essay type, remember that the thank-you note is an exercise in gratitude and reflection , allowing you to acknowledge someone who has impacted your life. It’s a chance to show depth, empathy, and the ability to appreciate the roles others have played in your journey.

The essay on exploring community at Penn is where you align your personal experiences and aspirations with the ethos of the Penn community , demonstrating how you intend to engage with and contribute to it.

The school-specific essays require a tailored approach , reflecting your understanding of and fit for the school you are applying to. Whether it’s the School of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, The Wharton School, or the School of Engineering and Applied Science, your response should testify to your informed interest and alignment with the school’s unique offerings and values.

Ready to Elevate Your UPenn Application? Discover How AdmissionSight Can Guide You

Embarking on your journey to the prestigious University of Pennsylvania requires more than just academic excellence; it demands a compelling narrative through your application essays. At AdmissionSight , we specialize in transforming your aspirations and experiences into powerful narratives that resonate with UPenn’s admissions committee. Our expert team, well-versed in the nuances of UPenn’s supplemental essays 2023-2024, is dedicated to helping you craft essays that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the admissions officers.

Whether articulating gratitude in a thank-you note, showcasing your vision for community involvement, or tailoring your response to the specific undergraduate school of your choice, our consultants provide personalized guidance at every step. We understand these essays’ unique challenges and opportunities and are committed to helping you navigate them confidently and creatively.

Make sure to let the complexity of the application process dim your chances of getting into UPenn. Join the ranks of our successful clients who have made their dream of attending top-tier universities a reality. Contact AdmissionSight today for a consultation and take the first step toward crafting an outstanding application. Let us help you turn your Penn aspirations into achievements.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Helpful Resources

How To Answer The “Why This College” Essay Prompt

We’ll go over the best ways to approach the 'Why This College" essay and provide helpful tips to help you write an effective essay that impresses admission officers.

How To Format & Structure Your College Application Essay

Your essays are a chance for admissions officers to get to know you beyond your grades, test scores, and ECLs. But how do you craft essays that reflect who you are AND impress the admissions officers?

Everything You Need To Know About The Supplemental Essays

Supplemental essays are required by many highly selective institutions in addition to the personal essay included in your Common Application. You can learn all about what they are and why they’re important here.

How to Get Into University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Guide

How to get into upenn—general information.

The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1740 as the College of Philadelphia. The student body in the university at large is nearly 30,000, and the undergraduate population is just over 10,000.

What we’ll cover in this How to Get Into UPenn guide:

• UPenn average GPA scores
• Optimal UPenn SAT scores
• UPenn application deadline
• Details on the UPenn early decision acceptance rate
• Preparing for a UPenn interview
• UPenn supplemental essays, and more.

When thinking about how to get into UPenn, you should ensure each portion of your application is competitive—your GPA, UPenn SAT scores, UPenn supplemental essays, and more. This means preparing your application materials well before the UPenn application deadline. 

More broadly, you should prepare for the UPenn application deadline by ensuring your grades align with the UPenn average GPA. You should also strive for high UPenn SAT scores. This will improve your chances of admission, though we will also discuss how to apply to UPenn with grades lower than the UPenn average GPA. 

Figuring out how to get into UPenn takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes UPenn graduates. Want to maximize your UPenn admissions odds?  Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272. 

How hard is it to get into University of Pennsylvania?

When wondering how to get into UPenn, selectivity is a big question. UPenn is a highly competitive school, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 5.9% for the class of 2025. The UPenn Early Decision acceptance rate for the class of 2025 was 14.9%. 

In short, UPenn is a highly selective school. So, there is no one answer to how to get into UPenn. It will be a “reach” school for any applicant, but with a solid application, you can be a strong contender. In this guide, we will break down how to get into UPenn with actionable goals you can complete well before the UPenn application deadline. 

What GPA for University of Pennsylvania?

In considering how to get into UPenn, be sure to review the UPenn average GPA. The UPenn average GPA is 3.9. This makes the school highly competitive, with a low UPenn Early Decision acceptance rate and regular decision acceptance rate as well. The UPenn admissions website says high school performance is “the single most important factor in the student selection process.” 

In order to meet the UPenn average GPA, select rigorous yet appropriate high school courses. For instance, if you have taken standard math courses throughout school, senior year may not be the time to insist on taking AP Calculus BC. However, excelling in challenging classes is the best way to show academic strength. It’s all about finding the right balance in your course schedule.  

Beyond grades

If you are a high school junior or senior wondering how to get into UPenn and realizing you can’t meet the UPenn average GPA by the UPenn application deadline, don’t worry. Remember that your grades are just one part of your application. Ultimately, your GPA shows UPenn admissions how you might handle their course load. If you can supplement a GPA lower than the UPenn average GPA with strong UPenn SAT scores, extracurriculars, and UPenn supplemental essays, you can still submit a strong application. To put your best foot forward, start strategizing before the UPenn application deadline.

What does the University of Pennsylvania application look like?

When trying to figure out how to get into UPenn as you look toward the UPenn application deadline, you’ll want to know exactly what is expected of you. This is especially true given the low UPenn Early Decision acceptance rate and lower RD acceptance rate.

You can access the UPenn application through the CommonApp or the Coalition Application. If you are a QuestBridge scholar, you can also apply to UPenn via the QuestBridge application. 

In addition to the Common App or Coalition Application , UPenn admissions also requires:

• UPenn supplemental essays
• Official high school transcript 
• School report
• Letters of recommendation (3)
• Early Decision agreement (if applicable)
• Mid-year report
• Final report (if matriculating)

Of all these requirements, the UPenn supplemental essays will most demand your attention. Make sure your school sends the rest of the forms listed above to UPenn admissions by the UPenn application deadline. 

UPenn requires two additional UPenn supplemental essays in addition to the Common App or Coalition Application essay. To learn more about how to approach the UPenn supplemental essays, read our article, “University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022.”

The UPenn undergraduate application also includes optional application materials, which we highly recommend submitting by the UPenn application deadline if they apply to you. These are:

• UPenn SAT scores or ACT scores
• UPenn interview
• Fine arts supplement 
• Additional letter of recommendation (1)
• Financial aid materials

UPenn waived its requirement of UPenn SAT scores or ACT scores for the 2021-22 application cycle in light of COVID-19. However, these policies may change. So, keep your eye on the UPenn SAT scores and ACT scores requirement. 

Test scores can help

Sending UPenn SAT scores or ACT scores is technically optional. However, when looking at how to get into UPenn, know that testing is a great way to boost your application. This is particularly true if your GPA is lower than the UPenn average GPA. Take the PSAT your sophomore year for a starting score. Then, study throughout your sophomore and junior year. This will give you time to test and retest if necessary to receive high UPenn SAT test scores before the UPenn application deadline.

For tips on testing, check out our article, “To Take or Not to Take: Standardized Tests in a Test-Optional Environment.”

In the same vein, we highly recommend taking advantage of the UPenn interview if you are offered one. This is a great chance to breathe life into your application and meet a UPenn alumnus. 

For the fine arts supplement and additional letter of recommendation, only submit these if they apply to you and will add to your application. If you have a strong art portfolio, share this with UPenn admissions. With regard to the extra letter of recommendation, the UPenn admissions site asks that you “only submit additional letters from people who know you personally and whose perspective would add information not captured elsewhere in your application.”

What extracurriculars does University of Pennsylvania like?

If you are trying to figure out how to get into UPenn, you are likely curious about extracurriculars. There is no formula when it comes to choosing extracurriculars. Instead, simply commit to extracurriculars you love, not extracurriculars you think UPenn will love. UPenn can tell the difference between extracurriculars that match your interests and extracurriculars you chose just to boost your resume. 

Do not try to become the student body president, debate team captain, and editor-in-chief of the school paper— unless all of those activities truly reflect your passions that come through in other parts of your application . Dedication to a few extracurriculars you love will show more character and discipline than a long list of extracurriculars not connected to your interests. The answer to how to get into UPenn lies in authenticity —reflecting your unique passions will set you apart. 

What is the acceptance rate for University of Pennsylvania?

If you are wondering how to get into UPenn, there is probably one statistic you care most about—the UPenn Early Decision acceptance rate and overall acceptance rate. The acceptance rate for UPenn undergraduate admissions is 5.9%, and the UPenn Early Decision acceptance rate was 14.9% for the class of 2025. Any acceptance rate under or around 10% makes a university highly selective. This means most accepted students have strong grades that match the UPenn average GPA.

When thinking about how to get into UPenn, you’ll have to choose whether to apply to UPenn Early Decision or regular decision. Do not be swayed by the UPenn Early Decision acceptance rate versus the overall acceptance rate. Instead, think about whether UPenn is truly your dream school. If you have been thinking of nothing but UPenn throughout your application process and would be happy to immediately accept their offer, then apply ED.

Want to learn more about acceptance rates? Check out our expert  guide .

On applying early

You should not apply ED to show demonstrated interest (DI). That is not the answer to how to get into UPenn. UPenn does not take DI into account, so there is no reason to apply ED if UPenn is not your top choice. 

Now, whether you are looking at the UPenn Early Decision acceptance rate or overall acceptance rate, you may be wondering—what does that number really mean in terms of how to get into UPenn? Simply put, the UPenn Early Decision acceptance rate and overall acceptance rate represent the number of students admitted out of the total number of applicants.

The UPenn Early Decision acceptance rate and overall acceptance rate can help show how selective UPenn is and where it fits on your college list in terms of “reach” versus “safety” schools. However, you shouldn’t focus on it too much. At the end of the day, there will always be unknown admissions factors. So, simply give it your best shot, and remember that your admissions decision does not reflect your worth.

Does University of Pennsylvania require interviews?

When wondering how to get into UPenn, the question of interviews often comes up. UPenn does not require interviews, nor do they offer them to all applicants, since UPenn interviews depend on alumni availability. However, the UPenn admissions site does say 90% of applicants are offered a UPenn interview, so you should prepare to interview for UPenn. 

UPenn also states, “If you receive an invitation for an alumni interview, we strongly encourage you to make time for the opportunity. If you have to decline the interview, please respond to your interviewer explaining why you can’t participate in the conversation.” In other words—do not turn down this opportunity unless you have a very strong reason to do so. 

We highly recommend you visit the UPenn admissions site to prepare for your UPenn interview. UPenn has a particularly thorough page that details what to expect and courteous common practice. 

General guidelines to keep in mind for your UPenn interview:

• Say yes! It is highly recommended to accept this invitation.
• Lean into the spontaneity. Do not research your UPenn interviewer or prepare a list of your accolades to recite. Let a natural conversation about your passions and personal story arise. 
• Dress appropriately. The UPenn admissions site suggests dressing as you would for a school presentation or picture. Ultimately, you should be comfortable. This will help you just focus on the conversation between you and your UPenn interviewer.
• Review the list of possible questions your UPenn interviewer may ask on the UPenn website.
• Prepare your own list of questions for the UPenn interviewer, and consider including the questions provided on the UPenn website.
• Write a quick thank-you note post-interview. 
• Review the “Penn Alumni Interview Program Principles of Good Practice” page, as well as the “Advice on College Interviews from Penn Admissions” video.
• Have fun! This is your chance to let your personality shine through and add dimension to your application. 

Tips to write the University of Pennsylvania essays?

Another crucial part of how to get into UPenn lies in the UPenn supplemental essays. This is your opportunity to let your voice shine through in your application. Though writing two UPenn supplemental essays may seem like a tall task, we have broken it down for you into manageable action points.

Check out CollegeAdvisor’s “University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022” for more details.

How does University of Pennsylvania review applications? 

When considering how to get into UPenn, you might wonder about the application review process. Luckily, UPenn sheds light on the process in the Penn Admissions YouTube video, “Advice on Navigating the College Admissions Process.” Here, UPenn details each aspect of the “comprehensive whole person review” they conduct for each applicant. UPenn admissions breaks down this review into four categories:

• Activities 
• Essays 
• Interviews 

This UPenn Admissions video goes further into what UPenn looks for within each of these categories. Academics is UPenn’s first priority, so pay attention to the UPenn average GPA and strongly consider submitting UPenn SAT scores. Be sure to review this admissions resource page when preparing your materials before the UPenn application deadline. 

Will University of Pennsylvania look at my social media? 

When researching how to get into UPenn, many applicants worry about their social media presence. But not to worry— UPenn will not be scoping out your social media , according to Dean of Admissions Eric Furda. With tens of thousands of applications received each year, it is simply not possible. So, no need to delete your accounts or change your usernames when trying to figure out how to get into UPenn. UPenn will only review the application materials you send in. 

Is University of Pennsylvania a good school for me?

This is a very important question and one that should precede the question of how to get into UPenn. Often, applicants get wrapped up in wondering if admissions will decide they are right for a school without stopping to consider whether that school is right for them.

How to determine whether UPenn is right for you:

• Visit the UPenn “About” page, and schedule a campus tour or take a virtual one. This will help you determine whether your values align with UPenn and whether you can see yourself attending. Do you like the location? The class sizes? The focus on social-minded action, innovation, and research?
• Research UPenn’s programs and majors to see if they match your interests. This will help you to concretely answer, “Why UPenn?” You will also need to answer this question in your UPenn supplemental essays and your UPenn interview. 
• Look to see if UPenn offers any programs, clubs, or activities outside of your comfort zone that you can see yourself trying for the first time. This is a great way to grow as a learner. It will also help you write your UPenn supplemental essays. 

Regular or Early Decision?

If it turns out that UPenn is a good school for you, the next question to consider is whether to apply ED or RD. If UPenn is your absolute first choice and you do not want to even consider attending another school, then apply ED. But, if you are curious about other universities and are not ready to commit solely to UPenn, that’s okay, too! Apply RD. UPenn does not consider demonstrated interest in its application review process, so you won’t be penalized for applying RD. Your admissions odds also won’t necessarily improve if you apply ED.

Additional tips to get into University of Pennsylvania:

Begin building a strong academic portfolio at the start of your high school career. Then, start preparing your UPenn SAT scores or ACT scores by your junior year. Finally, collect your application materials the summer before your application is due, well before the UPenn application deadline.

Constructive a narrative

What story does your application tell? Make sure this story runs through your application. If you are an artist with a passion for social change, highlight the classes, extracurriculars, and personal stories that reflect these interests. Make it easy for UPenn admissions to picture who you are and how you might fit into UPenn student life.

Ask for help

Have someone you trust review your materials well before the UPenn application deadline. Ask them to look at your application well before the UPenn application deadline so they can catch any last-minute errors.

Though applying to a competitive school like UPenn can seem overwhelming, remember that at the end of the day you are taking a step toward constructing your future. Don’t be daunted by statistics like the UPenn Early Decision acceptance rate, overall acceptance rate, or UPenn average GPA. Those numbers are just one part of a complex application review process. Instead, just remember to make the most of it and have fun. Good luck!

This guide was written by Saphia Suarez. If you want to know how to get into UPenn, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes UPenn graduates. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Supplementary Materials

All the information that we feel is crucial in making an admission decision is included within our required documents. Most students who apply to Penn do not submit any supplemental materials. However, some applicants may feel that their application is missing key contextual information representing who they are and decide to submit supplemental materials such as another recommendation letter, an expanded resume, a research abstract, or an art or music sample.  

While there are rare instances where additional information may benefit an application, we ask that you are selective and discerning about submitting any supplementary material. We cannot guarantee that all supplementary materials submitted will be reviewed during the application process. In most cases, too many extra documents can take away from the strength of an application. In short, keep it simple!  

Below are guidelines to follow when submitting anything that is outside of the required documents.    

Please note that materials outside of those listed below will not be considered.  

Penn does allow for one additional supplemental recommendation letter beyond the three required. Please be selective when deciding whether you need to request this supplemental recommendation letter, as an additional letter is meant as an opportunity to ensure equity in our process for students who may have unique circumstances that require more context.   

If you decide to submit this letter, please be sure to choose someone who knows you personally and whose perspective would add information not captured elsewhere in your application. This person may be a supervisor at work, mentor, coach, arts or music instructor, spiritual leader, or cultural leader. Letters from family members and close family friends typically do not provide information that is helpful for our evaluation process.   

If you choose to submit an optional additional letter of recommendation, please submit it directly through the Coalition or Common App.  

Students who have completed notable academic research should use the activities section or additional information sections of the application to convey these achievements.  

If, however, there is a brief abstract or explanation of your work that you could not include in other required parts of the application, you may submit this document as a supplementary material through your Penn Applicant Portal. You will be able to access your Penn Applicant Portal after you submit the Coalition or Common App and the Penn Supplement.  

Students with exceptional and recognized talents in visual arts, performing arts, or music, should use the activities section or additional information sections of the application to convey these achievements.   

If, however, there are samples of your work that you could not include in other required parts of the application, you may upload them to an external host site—like a personal website, YouTube, or SoundCloud—and then submit a document with any URLs/links as a supplementary material through your Penn Applicant Portal. You will be able to access your Penn Applicant Portal after you submit the Coalition or Common App and the Penn Supplement.  

Art or Music samples may be examined by faculty members from a relevant department, but there is no guarantee that an expert will be able to evaluate your materials. 

Portfolios will only be reviewed in three instances:  

• All forms of media are welcomed. Please limit your selection to 5-12 pieces, or a maximum of 5 minutes of video.   
• A member of the DMD faculty will examine your portfolio materials and provide a summary evaluation for the Admissions Committee.   
• If you decide to submit a portfolio, please include a minimum of ten different works.   
• Uploading an artist’s statement of at least 300 words is strongly encouraged.   
• Transfer students applying to enroll as second-year students in Architecture are required to submit a portfolio. There is no specific number of submissions that must be included. Third-year transfers are ineligible to apply to the Architecture major.  

Learn more about undergraduate programs available in the arts, design, and architecture.  

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University of Pennsylvania Requirements for Admission

What are University of Pennsylvania's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into University of Pennsylvania and build a strong application.

School location: Philadelphia, PA

This school is also known as: Penn

Admissions Rate: 6.5%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at University of Pennsylvania is 6.5% . For every 100 applicants, only 7 are admitted.

This means the school is extremely selective . Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation. If you don't meet their expectations, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

After crossing this hurdle, you'll need to impress University of Pennsylvania application readers through their other application requirements, including extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. We'll cover more below.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

University of Pennsylvania GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.9

The average GPA at University of Pennsylvania is 3.9 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.9, University of Pennsylvania requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.9, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Pennsylvania hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to University of Pennsylvania will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

University of Pennsylvania SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1500

The average SAT score composite at University of Pennsylvania is a 1500 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Pennsylvania Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Pennsylvania SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1440, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1560. In other words, a 1440 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1560 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

University of Pennsylvania has the Score Choice policy of "All Scores."

This means that University of Pennsylvania requires you to send all SAT scores you've ever taken to their office.

This sounds daunting, but most schools don't actually consider all your scores equally. For example, if you scored an 1300 on one test and a 1500 on another, they won't actually average the two tests.

More commonly, the school will take your highest score on a single test date. Even better, some schools form a Superscore - that is, they take your highest section score across all your test dates and combine them.

Some students are still worried about submitting too many test scores. They're afraid that University of Pennsylvania will look down on too many attempts to raise your score. But how many is too many?

From our research and talking to admissions officers, we've learned that 4-6 tests is a safe number to submit . The college understands that you want to have the best chance of admission, and retaking the test is a good way to do this. Within a reasonable number of tests, they honestly don't care how many times you've taken it. They'll just focus on your score.

If you take it more than 6 times, colleges start wondering why you're not improving with each test. They'll question your study skills and ability to improve.

But below 6 tests, we strongly encourage retaking the test to maximize your chances. If your SAT score is currently below a 1560, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You don't have much to lose, and you can potentially raise your score and significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

University of Pennsylvania ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, University of Pennsylvania likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 34

The average ACT score at University of Pennsylvania is 34. This score makes University of Pennsylvania Extremely Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 34, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35.

Even though University of Pennsylvania likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 34 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 34 and above that a 34 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 35 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Pennsylvania, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 35.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Pennsylvania considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT/ACT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in . If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.

To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1560 SAT or a 35 ACT . You should also have a 3.9 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.

For a school as selective as University of Pennsylvania, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1560 SAT or a 35 ACT, you unfortunately start out with the odds against you and have a tiny chance of getting in. There are just too many students with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of University of Pennsylvania here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted, supplemental forms required
• Electronic Application None
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 2
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $75
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests Optional
• Scores Due in Office February 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes January 5 April 1
• Yes November 1 December 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 1 Philadelphia, PA 19104
• Phone: (215) 898-7507 x7507
• Fax: (215) 898-9670
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

Penn's admission website offers extensive information and tips for the optional Alumni interview, which is worth reading if Penn is one of your top choices, or if you're applying to other similar schools that also interview. Read more about interviews here.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Pennsylvania, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Pennsylvania.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Pennsylvania. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for University of Pennsylvania, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Pennsylvania, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Pennsylvania is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

University of Pennsylvania 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essay of 300-450 words; 1 essay of 150-200 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s):  Community , Why

How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying. (300-450 words)

*students applying to digital media design and computer & cognitive science should address both the specialized program and single-degree choice in their response. for students applying to the other coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer this question in regards to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay..

You’ve probably seen this before: the why essay. Clocking in between 300 and 450 words, UPenn’s take on this classic prompt is on the longer side. There’s only one thing to do, the same thing we always tell you to do: research, research, research. Set aside some quality time to get up close and personal with UPenn’s website (or campus if you’re able to visit) and take some detailed notes on everything that appeals to you. Go deep. Read some descriptions of the classes you will take in your major and Google the professors you will be learning from. Think about telling a story that illustrates your path to UPenn: how do its’ offerings align with your own interests and goals? You could, alternatively, paint an aspirational picture of what you’d be like on campus. Any way you slice it, you should be focusing on “intellectual and academic interests” related to the undergraduate school to which you’re applying. Show admissions that UPenn the ideal fit for you and your academic goals. 

At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classroom, too. How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how this community will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape this community. (150-200 words) 

UPenn’s first prompt asks about your intellectual and academic pursuits, but admissions also wants to know about who you are and what you’d like to do when you’re not cramming for exams and soaking up your professor’s sage wisdom. Start by thinking about the here and now. Where can you be found when your homework is done? How do you spend your weekends? Think of something that gets you interacting with others or diving deep into your area of expertise. Admissions wants to know what your area of influence will look like at UPenn: an on-campus job, a unique hobby, or maybe an organization to which you contribute innovative ideas and exquisite cake decorating skills. (Bake sale, anyone?) Finally, remember to address how UPenn will shape your identity and vice versa. Will the Black Wharton Undergraduate Association help you to explore your entrepreneurial interests? Will your plethora of non-profit internship and volunteering experience make you a fantastic addition to and a natural leader in the Social Impact Consulting Group? Whatever you write about, make sure your response to this prompt shows that you have put some serious thought into what your life will look like at UPenn. 

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7 Strong UPenn Essay Examples

What’s Covered

• Essay 1: Neuroscience
• Essay 2: Why UPenn
• Essay 3: Why Nursing
• Essay 4: Library Love
• Essay 5: Tug of War
• Essay 6: Internet Networks
• Essay 7: Thank You

Where to Get Your UPenn Essays Edited

The University of Pennsylvania is a highly-selective Ivy League school in the heart of Philadelphia. UPenn is known for its rigorous academics and exceptional opportunities, so it’s no easy feat to get in. To help your application stand out, it’s important to have strong essays.

In this post, we will share six strong essays real students have submitted to UPenn to give you some inspiration for your essays. We will also be going over what each essay did well and where there is room for improvement. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our UPenn essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example #1: Why Major

Prompt: Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania?  For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer these questions in regard to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay. (300-450 words)

I always loved watching the worms when it rained. I used to put my little raincoat on, sit on the doorsteps, and watch them move toward the puddles. My younger brother, forever intent on destroying the world around him, would try to stomp on the worms, and I would run after him screaming. In my imagination, the brain looked like a pile of squiggly worms. However, my neuroscience curiosity has since grown beyond a worm’s habits.

For example, my mother thought that I was insane when I wanted to watch American Murder: The Family Next Door . To her immense relief, I was interested in the psychology of the criminal rather than the crime itself. Although neuroscience is my primary interest, I also hope to learn more about the intersection between law and medicine at the UPenn College of Arts and Sciences. I’ve been able to explore this topic through various projects at school such as presentations on juvenile crime and the death penalty.

At the University of Pennsylvania, I look forward to taking classes like Forensic Neuroscience (BIBB 050) as well as Neuroscience and Society (PSYC 247) both of which directly combine my two interests. Hopefully, the Take Your Professor to Dinner program resumes as I would make sure to talk to Dr. Daniel Langleben about his research on forensic functional brain imaging over a meal of Philly cheesesteaks.

I also hope to participate in the Race, Science, and Society Program where I can discover how race biases and neuroscience go hand-in-hand and contribute to the fight against racism. The Beyond Arrests: Re-Thinking Systematic-Oppression Group immediately caught my attention while looking at Penn’s opportunities to engage in relevant dialogue. My fascination with the criminal system began with reading Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment , and Penn will both fuel that curiosity as well as introduce new questions about the world of justice reform.

As an eight-year Latin scholar and a five-time reader of the Percy Jackson franchise, I would like to take classes in the Penn Classical Studies department where I can learn more about the impact of ancient cultures on society today. Classes such as Greek and Roman Medicine (CLST 271) would intersect my interests in medicine and classical civilizations.

Although I do harbor a deep love for Philly cheesesteaks and enjoyment of running in strange places like the Woodlands Cemetery, the range of programs to support my diverse interests and unmatched opportunities to put learning into action make me confident that the University of Pennsylvania is the best university for me to succeed.

What the Essay Did Well

The real strength in the essay lies in the sheer number of details this student is able to include in a short space, without sacrificing style and flow. The first two paragraphs really have nothing to do with Penn, but the inclusion of them makes this response feel like an essay, rather than a list of offerings at Penn. Striking the balance is important, and the anecdote at the beginning ultimately humanizes the writer.

From the three unique courses to the specific professor and his research to the race and criminal justice programs, this student has clearly done their homework on Penn! The key to this essay’s success isn’t just mentioning the offerings at Penn that excite the student, but the context that explains how each opportunity fits into the student’s academic interests.

Adding book titles like Crime and Punishment and Percy Jackson to support their passion for the criminal justice system and classics are extra details that help us learn more about how this student pursues their passions outside of the classroom. Finding little ways to humanize yourself throughout the essay can take it from good to great.

What Could Be Improved

One area of improvement for this essay is the structure. It follows a very traditional “ Why This College? ” framework—start with an anecdote, then discuss classes, and then extracurriculars and programs—that gets old quickly for admissions officers.

A great way to add some spice to the format would be to use a sample schedule for the day. This essay mentions three different classes, two different groups, and a Take Your Professor to Dinner opportunity. Together, that’s the recipe for a full day at UPenn!

There are a few ways to play around with an essay that follows a typical day-in-the-life. Maybe each paragraph starts with a time and explains what they do during that hour. Maybe they narrate walking through campus on their way from one class to the next and what they just learned. However they choose to go about it, adding in a playful spin to the traditional essay structure is one of the best ways to instantly set an essay apart from the crowd. 

Essay Example #2: Why UPenn

Prompt: Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at The University of Pennsylvania? (300-450 words)

“Arnav, we want you to apply”, I received this email from Penn and DASHED to tell mum. My naïve self had forgotten I had checked the ‘Student-Search-Service’ box, and schools could send system-generated emails predicated on my SAT scores. 

This pure, childlike delight was out of my sheer obsession with Penn. When my senior at school got in here last year, I pestered him all year long trying to know HOW. Tireless researching, approaching hundreds of alumni on Reddit, watching EVERY millisecond of YouTube advice, and painting a life-size Quaker on my bedroom walls only to miss the ED deadline by falling to pneumonia: Regardless of these setbacks, I sported an impending dream.

At Penn, I intend to revitalize this dream through the College of Arts and Sciences. Classes like “ Political Journalism at the Crossroads” and “ Queer Theory ” blend my love for English and politics which I will reflect through writing for Penn’s signature magazine- The Pennsylvania Gazette. At the Penn Institute of Urban Research and CAS, I aim to make the best use of Summer Humanities Internships (SHIP) and Global Research Internship Programs (GRIP) to finance my collaborative research in the Public Affairs domain. I’ll also sign on for the Penn Debate Society (PDS), and collaborate with TEDxPENN to hear budding speakers from different walks of life. As perhaps my country’s most accomplished debater, I vow to make this my personal goal to lead our team to total victory at the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) that Penn has dreamed of winning since 1981. To further my progress with the fight against child labor , I shall assist and seek assistance of a like-minded student-body via the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships.

For someone who’s obsessed with rhetoric, I totally understand the definition of an ‘agreement’. In our context, an agreement would be a two-way street where I avail facilities Penn offers while adding to its community, campus, and unwavering prestige. As I pack my bag with all essentials- my brain, my grit, and my quirky self- I complete one half of the agreement. 

Dear Penn, I now wait for you to hand me that beautiful letter as we seal our deal.

If there’s one thing this essay has, it’s confidence. From the first line to the last, there’s an energy and electricity running through the essay that maintains that quick, self-assured pace. Sharing the anecdotes of their long withstanding obsession with Penn strikes a balance between playfully self-deprecating and demonstrating true interest in the school. College essays shouldn’t kiss up to schools, and while this one approaches that level, using the anecdote for humor rather than fact helps avoid a sense of groveling.

This student clearly dreams big and is unapologetic about it: the mark of a true Quaker. From getting involved in internships to joining Ted talks and the Penn Debate Society, they will be an active member of the campus community, which is something admissions officers are keeping an eye out for when scanning applications. With the use of an assertive tone (“ I aim ”, “ I vow ”, “ I shall ”, etc) this student conveys exactly who Penn can expect to step onto their campus next fall.

While this student’s personality shines through without a doubt, their academic interests and motivations are not as clear. The third paragraph lists a host of opportunities they are interested in, and it does connect Penn offerings back to the student, but it doesn’t reveal much about the student in the process.

They mention “ Classes like ‘ Political Journalism at the Crossroads’ and ‘ Queer Theory’ blend my love for English and politics, ” but we have no idea where that love came from or what they hope to accomplish in the future. This essay would have benefitted from mentioning two or three less opportunities and elaborating on the significance of the select programs they chose.

You’ve likely heard that less is more, and in the case of this essay that’s true. The pressure to look well-researched by including as many Penn offerings as possible overwhelmed this student. In reality, choosing a few meaningful, unique opportunities and tying them back to your intellectual passions will reveal your passion for Penn far more than eight or nine disconnected resources thrown together.

Essay Example #3: Nursing

Prompt: How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying (650 words).

Sister Simone Roach, a theorist of nursing ethics, said, “caring is the human mode of being.” I have long been inspired by Sister Roach’s Five C’s of Caring: commitment, conscience, competence, compassion, and confidence. Penn both embraces and fosters these values through a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum and unmatched access to service and volunteer opportunities.

COMMITMENT. Reading through the activities that Penn Quakers devote their time to (in addition to academics!) felt like drinking from a firehose in the best possible way. As a prospective nursing student with interests outside of my major, I value this level of flexibility. I plan to leverage Penn’s liberal arts curriculum to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges LGBT people face, especially regarding healthcare access. Through courses like “Interactional Processes with LGBT Individuals” and volunteering at the Mazzoni Center for outreach, I hope to learn how to better support the Penn LGBT community as well as my family and friends, including my cousin, who came out as trans last year.

CONSCIENCE. As one of the first people in my family to attend a four-year university, I wanted a school that promoted a sense of moral responsibility among its students. At Penn, professors challenge their students to question and recreate their own set of morals by sparking thought- provoking, open-minded discussions. I can imagine myself advocating for universal healthcare in courses such as “Health Care Reform & Future of American Health System” and debating its merits with my peers. Studying in an environment where students confidently voice their opinions – conservative or liberal – will push me to question and strengthen my value system.

COMPETENCE. Two aspects that drew my attention to Penn’s BSN program were its high-quality research opportunities and hands-on nursing projects. Through its Office of Nursing Research, Penn connects students to faculty members who share similar research interests. As I volunteered at a nursing home in high school, I hope to work with Dr. Carthon to improve the quality of care for senior citizens. Seniors, especially minorities, face serious barriers to healthcare that I want to resolve. Additionally, Penn’s unique use of simulations to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application impressed me. Using computerized manikins that mimic human responses, classes in Penn’s nursing program allow students to apply their emergency medical skills in a mass casualty simulation and monitor their actions afterward through a video system. Participating in this activity will help me identify my strengths and areas for improvement regarding crisis management and medical care in a controlled yet realistic setting. Research opportunities and simulations will develop my skills even before I interact with patients.

COMPASSION. I value giving back through community service, and I have a particular interest in Penn’s Community Champions and Nursing Students For Sexual & Reproductive Health (NSRH). As a four-year volunteer health educator, I hope to continue this work as a Community Champions member. I am excited to collaborate with medical students to teach fourth and fifth graders in the city about cardiology or lead a chair dance class for the elders at the LIFE Center. Furthermore, as a feminist who firmly believes in women’s abortion rights, I’d like to join NSRH in order to advocate for women’s health on campus. At Penn, I can work with like-minded people to make a meaningful difference.

CONFIDENCE. All of the Quakers that I have met possess one defining trait: confidence. Each student summarized their experiences at Penn as challenging but fulfilling. Although I expect my coursework to push me, from my conversations with current Quakers I know it will help me to be far more effective in my career.

The Five C’s of Caring are important heuristics for nursing, but they also provide insight into how I want to approach my time in college. I am eager to engage with these principles both as a nurse and as a Penn Quaker, and I can’t wait to start.

This essay has many positive aspects, but the most impressive one is the structure. Utilizing the Five C’s of Caring to discuss Penn’s offerings was a genius way of tying in this student’s passion for nursing while also making their essay exciting and easy to read. Beginning each paragraph with the respective adjective helped focus the paragraph and allowed the student to demonstrate how they exemplify each quality without explicitly stating it. The student wasn’t afraid to think outside the box and add creativity to their essay structure, which really paid off.

Another positive is how specific and specialized the Penn resources and opportunities the student mentions are. This essay did not fall into the trap of name-dropping professors or programs. In every paragraph, there was a connection to something the student wants to do at Penn to further themselves in the respective characteristic they were describing.

Not only did this student mention a resource at Penn—whether it was a professor, a class, or a club—in every paragraph, but they elaborated on what that resource was and how it would help them achieve their goal of becoming a nurse. The what and how is what sets this essay apart from other supplements that just name-drop resources for the sake of it. The amount of detail this essay went into about some of these resources makes it clear to the admissions officers reading the essay that this student has seriously looked into Penn and has a strong desire to come to campus and use these resources.

One thing this essay could do to make it stronger is improve the first paragraph. The student does a good job of setting up Sister Roach and the Five C’s, but they don’t mention anything about their desire to study or pursue nursing. The first paragraph mentions both Sister Roach and Penn, but left out the student. This could be fixed by simply adding something along the lines of “ I can’t wait to embody these values as a nursing student at Penn ” to the paragraph.

Essay Example #4: Library Love

Prompt: How did you discover your intellectual and academic interests, and how will you explore them at the University of Pennsylvania? Please respond considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected (300-450 words).

“This book again?” My mother sighed as she cracked open the punctuation picture book I’d picked out for the fifth time. At the age of four, I had little knowledge of punctuation, so the words “exclamation” and “comma” remained elusive; I grew obsessed with puzzling out its meaning. Growing up in the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library surrounded by the scent of old books, comforting silence, and librarian friends made it easy to forget about the world outside, yet my thirst for answers always pushed me out of literary comfort zones and into the unknown. Even as I moved on from Magic Tree House to Harry Potter , my inquisitive nature and determination to understand the literature around me only evolved. Foreign concepts and obstacles sparked my ambition as I tackled the intimidating Les Misérables sophomore year, Crime and Punishment junior year, and Jane Eyre senior year. I found a relatability in Joy Luck Club characters that I incorporated into my writing and an emotional outlet in the depths of the poetry aisle and writer communities at literary magazines like Polyphony Lit . I can find similar communities at Penn by curating pieces for Penn Review or spending days soaking in knowledge at the Van Pelt Library, poring over Macbeth or the Iliad . Although libraries may provide sanctuaries, they also open infinite worlds and viewpoints. I realized that stories (no matter what form they take) always manage to capture the intrinsic connection between humans that I seek in every interaction I have. 

I’ve learned that life beyond the library teems with complex characters and lessons of its own–especially at Penn, where students are determined to grapple with difficult questions involving cultural differences or the declining value of art in an increasingly STEM-focused world. I am eager to challenge my boundaries as a reader, writer, and human being by applying the relational lessons of a Fiction and Connectivity seminar to real life, reading to younger generations during Children’s Story Hour at Penn Bookstore, and hosting Open Mic Nights with Kelly Writers House. I can see myself initiating change in society by researching the effects of Western society’s harmful misconceptions of Asian and African-American culture in literature with Professor Josephine Park. Penn will not only satisfy some of my curiosities–it will provoke even more daunting and thrilling questions for me to pursue.

This essay does a really nice job of showing the student’s interest in reading and literature. The language they used to describe their library as “ comforting “, and finding an “ emotional outlet ” in reading creates a clear picture for the reader that this student loves to read. Not only do we learn about this student’s passion, but we learn through them showing us. The essay shows us how the student felt in the library and takes us on a journey as they tackle more and more advanced books, as opposed to telling us they are passionate about reading.

The use of book titles was another positive aspect of this essay. Citing actual books and explaining how they affected the student helps display to the admissions officers reading the essay that literature has impacted this student in a multitude of ways. We see the student grow from being young and curious to tackling challenging concepts, embracing new cultures, and engaging in self-reflection all through reading. 

The main part of this essay that could use improving was the second paragraph that discussed how Penn will allow this student to continue exploring their passion. Although the student did provide some explanation as to how these resources at Penn will help them grow their interest in reading and writing, the elaboration was pretty weak. 

The student mentions they want to grow as “ reader, writer, and human being by applying the relational lessons of a Fiction and Connectivity seminar to real life, reading to younger generations during Children’s Story Hour at Penn Bookstore, and hosting Open Mic Nights with Kelly Writers House. ” These are all great, but nothing mentioned here is specific to Penn. This student could host an open mic night at any college they go to, so they either need to pick something more unique  or provide detailed elaboration on how participating in this will help them in the long run.

If this student had focused more on the research they want to do with the professor, they could have had a stronger response to the second part of the prompt. Sometimes, going into detail about one resource that you have a strong connection to is far more powerful than cramming in a bunch of opportunities that relate to your desired field—which is what the essay is currently doing. For example, discussing how they want to research cultural representation in literature with this professor to understand and reverse harmful misconceptions in their own writing and have more cultural diversity in libraries for future generations to enjoy, would have provided a lot more detail about the student and their goals than saying they want to read to kids when they get to Penn.

Essay Example #5: Tug of War

Prompt: At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classrooms, too. How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how this community will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape this community (150-200 words).

I used to face two paths: one flocked with taxis, people, and the smell of pizza, and the other a wet street laced with cicada symphonies and the aroma of beef noodle soup. It always felt easier to walk the streets of Taiwan (where people speak meekly and tiptoe around confrontation) rather than New York (where people argue, think, and exist fearlessly). PBS created a documentary titled Tug of War: The Story of Taiwan (1998) , and I believed that I embodied the little potato island, since balancing between two cultures resulted in a “Tug of War” within me. Although I am proud to be Taiwanese, New York has cultivated an unbridled emotion and passion within me, molding me into a bold author, shameless poet, and strong-willed advocate for Asian-American youth. I am excited by the similar passion and confidence of Penn students, and the vibrant conversations I might have at a Campaign for Community event about racial justice or with Professor David Eng about Asian literature influences upon American society. I can support peers struggling with their own “Tug of Wars” by sharing my story through the Penn Taiwanese Society, and learn their stories as a writer for Robinson Press .

This essay does a great job of establishing this student’s background and the distinction between their two cultures. There is a great use of imagery, especially at the beginning, which displays this student’s strength as a writer and highlights the internal “Tug of War” they experience. It is evident how their past community has shaped their perspective and identity. Knowing how their background shaped these things makes it easy for admissions officers to see what type of student they would be adding to their campus.

While the prompt doesn’t ask the student to reflect on their community, explaining their background helped this student describe how they will shape their Penn community. A big part of what this student hopes to bring to Penn is helping other students who feel a similar “Tug of War”, so understanding how this student has coped with their internal struggle is important to understand what they will bring to Penn. 

Unfortunately, by spending so much space discussing their “Tug of War”, this student didn’t have the strongest answer to the main question in the prompt: how will you explore the community at Penn? This essay should have been far more focused on opportunities and resources at Penn that will shape this student’s identity. The last few sentences mentioned resources the student wants to take advantage of, but there wasn’t a lot of elaboration on how engaging with these resources will influence their identity.

This doesn’t mean the student must completely forgo discussing the internal struggle they feel coming from two separate cultures, but they could have continued with the “Tug of War” idea to discuss how they will pursue opportunities at Penn that allow them to engage both aspects of their culture. Describing how participating in a certain club would allow them to embrace their emboldened New Yorker while working with a professor on their research about Asian literature might spark their interest in writing a novel about Taiwan, for example, would have been an effective way to continue the “Tug of War” metaphor and fully answer the prompt.

One other thing that could improve the essay is splitting it into two paragraphs. Reading one large block of text gets tiring for admissions officers who spend all day reading. Dividing the essay into paragraphs provides clear delineations for where new information is being presented, thus helping admissions officers stay focused on your essay.

Essay Example #6: Internet Networks

Prompt: Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the Internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words)

In 9th grade, I made my most astonishing work of art.

Funnily enough, it wasn’t for any class related to the arts. It was for my statistics class. I created it to answer a simple question: are people happier when they have more friends? To answer that question, my group and I surveyed 240 students. That month, the ink from my printer was running as dry as my body was soaked with sweat from running around the school collecting questionnaires. We compiled all results into a spreadsheet with hundreds of thousands of cells. It was the largest amount of data I had ever handled. I started analyzing it, cell by cell. The method of analysis? A node network graph. It was something new to me at the time and I didn’t know what to expect. The final result was an intensely vivid web of color composed of 240 nodes connected by thousands upon thousands of lines. It was magnificent to behold. It was intensely surreal as I witnessed the abstract concept of friendship manifested in something tangible and visual. This chaotic and hypnotizing mess of dots and lines was a snapshot of the relationships between an entire batch of students! From the graph, I could immediately discern that people aren’t automatically happier if they have more friends. It’s the quality of your friendships that matter. Ever since that project, I have been constantly seeking new ways to make the invisible structures around us visible.

Over the years, this interest has driven me to study the effects of the internet in greater depth. This is because the internet, for the past few decades, has been the biggest black box that our society has ever created. It has been credited for both promoting democracy and blamed for destroying it. It has been praised for spreading information, and decried for spreading misinformation. All of the confusion surrounding what the internet actually is stems mostly from the fact that it’s very hard to see the full extent of how it actually works and how it affects people. Media coverage of Google’s use of data or Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica scandal, services I use every day, have left me wondering how we can improve the internet and make it more transparent for the people who use it.

As a policy-minded thinker and problem solver, I have done a lot of research and contemplation on the current problems and benefits of these platforms and services. I read about how Youtube has served as a platform for populist strongmen. I read about how Facebook enabled the Arab Spring. So far, all that I have learned is that the problem is an incredibly complex and nuanced one, with a lot of different actors and moving parts. It involves multinational companies, governments, and billions of individual users. In order to maximize the potential of these networks and minimize their harms, we have to be tactical in our approach. From figuring out data privacy to figuring out whether these companies are platforms or basic services, almost all aspects of the role of these networks fascinate me. It is also a topic that I have debated competitively in the past. I have participated in motions ranging from “This house would ban Google from retaining search data” to “This house believes news media outlets should use AI for the production and presentation of its news content”. I am highly invested in the role of social networks in today’s society; rather than their complexity pushing me away, it is what draws me in. 

The costs of not understanding social networks in this era is incredibly high. This is why I am willing to dedicate myself to studying it and uncovering the ways of how to deal with it. 

This student crafts a narrative that exudes the elusive show-not-tell quality that separates good essays from great ones. In order to generate this, the applicant employs phrases packed with vivid imagery like “ the ink from my printer was running as dry as my body was soaked with sweat”  and “ an intensely vivid web of color composed of 240 nodes connected by thousands upon thousands of lines. ” They also vary their sentence structure and include rhetorical questions to make the reader interact more with their essay content. 

Their passion for technology is well-expressed through the current examples they sprinkle throughout the essay like Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica scandal and Google retaining search data. The NETS program values innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, so demonstrating they are keeping up with current events in the field and have opinions on ongoing debates shows UPenn that this student has a unique perspective to offer.

The student mentions debating topics related to the Interest in a structured manner; this shows, rather than tells admissions officers that they have strong research skills and communication abilities. By showing how their varied interests combine to produce an interdisciplinary passion, it makes their application unique and memorable to admissions officers. Not only that, but speaking about past experiences in detail allows them to establish credibility and demonstrate to admissions officers that they would be a good fit for this program.

As a whole, the essay is strong. It shares the student’s background, is well-written, and thinks about nuanced issues relating to technology.

Something that could have helped this essay would be to break up the long paragraphs into smaller, more digestible chunks. Because of the long paragraphs, it can be a little difficult to read the essay. There are many points where a new paragraph would’ve been logical, and flowed better.

For example, the first paragraph discusses both the process of collecting data and building the model and the student’s reflection on the results. A break after “ The final result was an intensely vivid web of color composed of 240 nodes connected by thousands upon thousands of lines”  would have been a natural switch from the physical aspects of the model to the introspection it spurred.

Another place for a new paragraph is when the student switches from discussing their research to their debate experience in the third paragraph. While they were trying to keep their extracurricular encounters with these topics together in one paragraph, it is far too dense as it’s written, and ideas gets lost in the sheer amount of information presented. Breaking it up would provide relief to the reader and help emphasize each point better by giving it its own space.

Essay Example #7: Thank You

Dear Mrs. Peterson,

After finishing my drawing of Timothée Chalamet this semester, I was stunned by its beauty—it was one of the first pieces that I was proud of. Because of the debacle with the charcoal drawing of my sister last year, I avoided drawing another human. Yet, you persisted in encouraging me to tackle this challenge; from achieving Timothée’s chiseled cheekbones to highlighting his curls, you always stood by my side—even when I wanted to quit.

Honing my artistic abilities was only a portion of what you taught me. You always encouraged me to be vulnerable, and I am gratified by our insightful conversations. From consoling me through the stress of finals to supporting my aspirations of becoming a lawyer, you never wavered in listening to my stories. You weren’t just my art teacher, but my shoulder.

I am inspired by how you lead your life with compassion and authenticity. Watching you build a community through dialogue furthered my own love of interaction as an instrument to foster connection. Thank you for being my guidepost. You made a home for me in your class, and it saddens me that I will be leaving it soon.

Gratefully,

Future Empathetic Lawyer

A strong hook is an essential part of any essay, to really draw a reader into the story. This writer does an excellent job immediately grabbing our attention by describing a tangible object that represents why they are thankful to their art teacher, which is a far more powerful technique than just saying something general like “You have made me a much better artist.”

The drawing of Timothée Chalamet also serves as an anchor for the traits the writer wants to highlight about themselves, such as risk-taking (taking on the challenge of drawing “his chiseled cheekbones…[and] curls” ) and perseverance ( “you always stood by my side” ). Remember that showing your reader something about yourself, through a tangible example like an art project, makes your points far more convincing than just telling them you are a certain way, as then you’re just leaving them to take your word for it.

The writer also seamlessly transitions from talking about their drawing to talking about how their art teacher has helped them in general, with the line “Honing my artistic abilities was only a portion of what you taught me.” This line provides the perfect jumping-off point for the writer to show us how their teacher has supported them in non-art contexts as well.

Finally, in a big-picture sense, the writer strikes a great balance between highlighting their art teacher’s virtues, and how those virtues have helped them grow and develop their own personality. With this prompt, there’s a risk that you end up talking too much about the person you’re thanking, and not enough about yourself–remember, you’re the one admissions officers are trying to make a decision about! But this writer avoids that pitfall by always connecting the things they admire in their art teacher to qualities they have developed themselves.

There is not much room for improvement in this essay. The author directly connects the values they have learned from their art teacher to tangible experiences, which ensures their essay will stand out even from other essays written about teachers.

The only point in the essay that reads a little strangely is the inclusion of the word “empathetic” in the student’s signature. Although we can read between the lines that they learned empathy from their teacher, that actually isn’t a value they name outright. They do highlight vulnerability, compassion, authenticity, and connection, so to make the end of the essay feel more cohesive, they could either replace “empathetic” with something like “compassionate,” or just make sure they do explicitly include empathy in the body of the essay.

If you want more examples of strong UPenn “Thank You” essays , check out our post dedicated exclusively to this new supplement!

Do you want feedback on your UPenn essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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